When Maria Fernanda Molinari and her husband, Rafael R. Lopez, went house hunting in Miami Lakes, Florida, they weren't looking for a fixer-upper. But they made an exception when they spotted the view from the screened-in back porch on a 1968 lakeside ranch. "It was love at first sight," Maria says. So the couple overlooked the home's dated appearance and leaky roof and put their beginning DIY skills to work. They converted the 532-square-foot covered patio into an airy lounging-and-entertaining sunroom, where they could nap, dine, cook, and even bathe. The structure had good bones -- limestone columns, a built-in stainless steel grill and ventilation hood, and a ceramic tile floor -- but the space lacked adequate lighting, seating, and homey touches. To bring their beach-inspired oasis up to date without diving into debt, the couple got very creative, built oversize sofas, and installed more lighting themselves. Now it's paradise found.